James City County Earns Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award for Public Safety Initiative
James City County has received the Virginia Municipal League's 2026 Innovation Award in the Public Safety category for its RESTORe-CARE initiative. This program, which includes testing drone delivery of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to cardiac arrest patients, was recognized during…

Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, October 13, 2026 —
James City County has been honored with the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) 2026 Innovation Award. The award recognizes the county’s achievement in the Public Safety category for its groundbreaking RESTORe-CARE initiative.
The RESTORe-CARE program distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to emergency response. A key component of the initiative involves the testing of drone technology for the delivery of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) directly to the scene of cardiac arrest incidents. This advanced delivery method aims to reduce response times and increase the availability of life-saving equipment in critical moments.
The recognition was presented during the VML’s annual conference, which convened in Norfolk. The Virginia Municipal League serves as a statewide advocate for local governments in Virginia, and its Innovation Awards highlight exemplary programs and services developed by cities and counties across the commonwealth.
The award signifies a significant acknowledgment of James City County’s commitment to leveraging technology and forward-thinking strategies to enhance public safety for its residents. The RESTORe-CARE initiative’s focus on rapid AED deployment via drones represents a pioneering effort in the field of emergency medical services and public health preparedness.
Story summarized from the original created by WYDaily Staff on wydaily.com, see more information here.
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